It's a nice idea, but generations have grown up expecting to pay for nothing on the internet. And when there is a fee for something people will often spend a whole hour or two of their valuable time looking for a way out of paying for it.
I'm happy to micropay myself, but I wonder how many out there are up for it. Kim's whole fortune comes from people not wanting to cough up for anything. Still, I'm sure some creative things will come of it but perhaps not what was initially expected.
I think this sums it up pretty good for a lot of things like information and youtube content. Honestly, pretty much anything you want to know you can just get for free. There are a lot of things people want to know and will pay money for it. Unfortunately, there is always some person out there that just gives it away for free.
You want to learn about investing? Boom, there is Investopedia and youtube channels. You want to learn about tuning pianos? Boom, there is a website out there. You want to learn how to play poker like a pro? Boom, there is the 2+2 forum and online videos. Your car is broken and you need to fix something. Boom, there is a forum of people giving free advice on your particular problem. Having trouble with your code? Boom, stackoverflow is there to help you. Sometimes they'll write you your code for free. You want to read a certain book? Boom, you can read a PDF document with all the pages online. No need to even download. You want to listen to music? Boom, you can listen to any song for free on youtube, grooveshark, and a bunch of radio apps out there.
I remember a new gambling game came out that no one had played before. Low and behold, someone was stupid enough to post all the statistics to the game and a great strategy guide on the internet for free. I guess the thought didn't occur to him that keeping that information secret would allow him to profit off it. Who knows, maybe he enjoyed getting "thank you" comments from random people. Perhaps he just doesn't like money.
Also, the youtube video shows somebody donating because they are happy with the content they are being shown. I don't see many people doing this. I know I probably wouldn't. I like my money and am selfish that way. Meh, I could be wrong though. There are people out there who tithe.
Charities and tipping people is different though. That is more personal. A youtube video is for entertainment or information to a very wide audience. Don't get me wrong, people love to pay for entertainment and information, but if they have the opportunity to get it for free they'll take it. If there is a large group and they are anonymous they most certainly will take it. If a buddy of yours offers you a spot on his Netflix account you aren't going to say "Thanks for the offer, but I'd really like to give back to Netflix and sponsor them by paying $10 a month."